Penn State Biology

Thank you, Jennifer, we appreciate your excellence and dedication to our teaching program.

“In Jennifer's first few months in this position, she has improved the organization and communication of the four core labs in the department and improved the experience for the thousands of undergrads! All who work with her appreciate her work".

Biologist and lab coordinator, Jennifer Rittenhouse-Pruss, was given a ‘We Are’! Her nominator wrote:

The college is proud to recognize Taylor Smith, financial associate in the Department of Biology, with a "We Are!" Smith's nominator wrote, "No matter how busy Taylor is, he’s always willing to help with a positive attitude, making him a valued member of the Biology community.”

#PennStateBio #PennState #Pollinators #BeeResearch #CommunityScience #Ecology #Entomology #Biodiversity #Conservation #Sustainability

This is community science in action: volunteers, gardeners, and researchers working together to protect the pollinators that support healthy ecosystems. Read more: psu.edu/news/agricultu…

Pollinator science is blooming across Pennsylvania 🐝🦋🌼

New in @PLOSNTDs from the McGraw Lab! 🦟 Researchers found that both mosquito genetic background and Wolbachia strain influence dengue virus blocking and fitness in South American Aedes aegypti populations—important insights for improving dengue control strategies.

Read more: Penn State News story #DiseaseEcology #Microbiome #Amphibians #ConservationBiology #PennState #Ecology #WildlifeHealth

In tropical amphibians, fragmented landscapes were linked to weaker microbial defenses against the deadly chytrid fungus (Bd). The findings highlight how conserving habitat connectivity can protect biodiversity at multiple levels — from ecosystems to microbiomes.

🐸🌿 New research from Penn State shows that connected habitats may help wildlife fight disease by supporting beneficial protective microbes.

We welcome applicants working across levels of organization, from molecular to ecosystem science, using innovative approaches including omics, physiology, bioinformatics, cell & molecular biology, and more. Apply here: Penn State Plant Biology Faculty Position

🌱 We’re hiring in Plant Biology at Penn State! The Department of Biology at Penn State University Park is searching for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in any area of plant biology.

Are you doing climate-related research? 🌎 The Penn State Climate Solutions Symposium is now accepting submissions for climate-related posters for its 2026 event. Apply here before May 1: bit.ly/3QdK5RC #PennStateScience

Biology Seminar on Tuesday, April 28th. This is the final seminar in this semester's series; we hope to see you there! Seminar Details Speaker: Jeremy Lichstein, Professor, University of Florida Title: Forest Dynamics in a Changing World Time: 12:00–1:00 PM Location: 8 Müller Lab

🧬 Biology Student Seminar this week! Join us for two exciting talks: 🧠 Troy LaPolice & Nittany AI Group Transforming university scheduling with MatchMyLab 🧬 Natalia Grube Taenia evolution & what it reveals about carnivory in hominins 🗓️ 12:00–1:00 PM 📍 8 Müller Lab